Let's not deceive ourselves, a people will always recognise their true
leaders whenever they emerge. Leadership is not determined by the kind
of political position one occupies.
Neither is it determined by how much
one has; it is determined by the quality of service one renders and is
willing to render for his people no matter the cost.
Why must we allow opportunism and mediocrity take the centre stage of our political existence? In some places, the youths are groomed and made to undergo tutelage for future leadership challenges. But in Oro we carry on as if there is no tomorrow.
The youths are only needed during elections when we take advantage of their poverty-stricken living to corrupt them with a few naira notes to do the " dirty jobs" only to abandon and blackmail them as soon as the elections are over.
This lack of plan for succession is largely responsible for the seemingly intractable leadership problems bedeviling Oro today.
While our neighbours have virile and vibrant associations like Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Ibibio Elders Forum, Annang Forum, Abobom Annang etc, none is found in Oro except the Oron Union which has become a burden on Oro people because of its elitist tendency which has given birth to ineptitude. Is that the Oron Union Late Chief Okon Bassey Etienam(NAMOBA) and Late Chief Ambe Bassey led and left behind?
Pretending that all is well with Oro because a few individuals still get patronage from government which translates into some millions of naira when in fact Oro is at the brink of political extinction is the greatest disservice we can do to ourselves. As soon as responsive and public spirited leaders emerge from Oro, most of our problems will be solved.
(THAT WAS THE CONCLUDING PART OF THAT ARTICLE PUBLISHED SINCE 2004. YOU WOULD AGREE WITH ME THAT A NEGLIGIBLE PART OF THE ISSUES HAS BEEN REASONABLY ADDRESSED WHILE OTHERS ARE STILL OVERLOOKED. FOR INSTANCE, ORON UNION IS TODAY MORE POPULIST AND PARTICIPATORY THAN IT WAS IN 2004.
AND THERE'S TODAY A MORE DELIBERATE ATTEMPT AT MENTORING THAN THERE WAS IN 2004.GENERALLY, IT'S NOT YET UHURU FOR OUR BELOVED ORO.)
Omen Bassey
No comments: